What makes the V2r better?

Sometimes it takes a whole new look at an old problem in order to make the next big advancement in technological development. Nothing magical in having the transfer (also called “timing” or “connecting”) drive on the left side, now is there? While it was conventional for many decades in tandem design, it’s hardly innovative. At least a century earlier, tandems put the transfer chain on the right side, behind the main drive ‘rings—like the 1895 Victor double-steering tandem below. So, in 2010, a mere 115 years later, what’s so new about putting the transfer drive on the right side, inboard of the main drive? Everything.

Custom Yoke to mount timing belt on drive side

The CAD-designed, CNC’ed chain stay yoke is a Paketa exclusive. Who else but the company that’s been working with magnesium exclusively for ten years could engineer this subtle work of art? Paketa introduced the worlds first – and still the only – magnesium tandem in 2005, and brings more experience in magnesium bicycle construction than anyone on the planet. The yoke design allows the transfer sprocket to fit in as close as possible to the center line of the frame, yet still provides enough clearance for up to a 28 mm tire—enough for even Clydesdale-class tandem teams to enjoy the benefits of a light weight Paketa tandem.

Lighter weight bike

While weight savings is merely one of the many advantages of the V2r design, many teams striving for lighter weight will immediately appreciate the difference. A V2r can easily save a pound (454 grams) overall compared to even our own industry-leading V2 design. The weight savings comes in with eliminating one spider-mount arm (two instead of three, as with the conventional left-side transfer drive) and the ability to use two lighter-weight single-bike cranks in place of a heavier tandem-specific front-and-rear crank pair. And, significantly, there’s no loss of stiffness or durability in using lighter-weight single-bike cranks since the bottom bracket axle bending and bearing loads are no higher than on a single bike.

Better gearing system

As for gearing range and shifting, the V2r again excels. The combination of 2X10 road and MTB gearing provides the same wide range as a conventional triple-chain-ring road setup. With a 39/53 double sprocket in front and 11X36 cassette in back (as shown in the photos), the gear range is identical to a road 30/39/53 triple crank with an 11X28 cassette—certainly enough for most any tandem team interested in racing or fast sport riding, for sure. And, with a double sprocket in front, the shifting precision is as good as any single bike, and any road shifter compatible with a matching MTB rear derailleur and cassette will work (SRAM™ Red™ Double Tap™ shifters, Red™ front deraiiluer, SRAM™ XX™ cassette and XX™ rear derailleur shown). Say goodbye to triple front shifters and substandard front shifting!

Bottom line

The V2r raises the bar, plain and simple, for high performance, light weight, and durable tandem design. Don’t follow the leader; be one.